The play of Patrick Beverley in the playoffs last year and into this pre-season has made it clear that even if Justin Lin remains Houston’s starting point guard — which is no certainty — he’ll be platooning with Beverley.

And Beverley could well emerge as Houston’s starter because it would give the team tremendous defence both at the point and at centre.

Until recently Beverley was primarily known as the guy who landed Russell Westbrook on injured reserve after lunging at him during the playoffs last spring when Westbrook wasn’t expecting to be challenged (he was calling a timeout).

Beverley averaged 14.2 points 3.4 assists and 6.6 rebounds per game in the six-game loss to Oklahoma City.

He’s been even better since totaling 37 points 14 rebounds six steals and 12 assists in three pre-season contests while splitting time with Lin.

Though Lin is a far superior passer Beverley has edges elsewhere and has been shooting the ball brilliantly in October making 12-of-17 attempts.

Lin isn’t the guy who caught the world’s attention while with the Knicks — he was playing way over his head — but he is a quality NBAer. However Beverley looks like the better fit in Houston and the better all-around player.

The 25-year-old performed well in Europe before the Rockets brought him back and sent him to the NBDL last year.

He’s earning a fraction of what Lin gets ($788000 versus $8.3 million U.S.) but is giving Rockets head coach Kevin McHale little choice but to increase his minutes.

“Patrick has a great nose for the ball” McHale told the Houston Chronicle.